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Hardman and Hedges Complete Surfing Champions Trophy Line Up at Four Seasons Maldives
Maldives Promotion House – The final two contestants in “the world’s most luxurious surfing event” have been named as two-time World Champion Damien Hardman (Australia) and 2005 Women’s World Champion Chelsea Hedges (Australia). Both will compete in Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy from August 27 to September 2, 2012.
Hardman returns to the competition for the second consecutive year, having taken winner Mark Occhilupo to some very close heats in last year’s inaugural event. Nicknamed “Iceman” for his ferocious concentration and nerve-free attitude, Hardman’s wave precision and tactical genius make him a dangerous opponent in any contest. His previous experience of the competition and its waves will be a distinct advantage – and his memories of last year’s event means he’s never looked forward to a contest quite so much before: “I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to go on some pretty special trips but last year’s Surfing Champions Trophy was the highlight of my life so far. Great waves, great service and great vibes: needless to say I can’t wait be part of the contest again!”
Chelsea Hedges (nee Georgeson), the 2005 Women’s World Champion, has been making waves in the surfing world since she was 13 years old. Highly masterful and with youth on her side, the event marks the 28-year-old’s comeback to competitive surfing after taking time away from the tour to become a mother – and now she can’t wait to bring it to the men in maximum style: “Having the opportunity to surf with five world champions in world class waves is any surfer’s dream. To have luxurious Four Seasons Resort accommodation as well is heaven. If I could have added one location the World Tour this would be it.”
Hardman and Hedges join an illustrious line-up of four other World Champions: Mark “Occy” Occhilupo (Australia) – the event’s defending champion and 1999 World Champion; Tom Curren (USA) – three-time world champion and true soul surfer; Martin “Potz” Potter (South Africa) – 1998 world champion, aerial-pioneer and all-round Mr Cool; and Phil Rajzman (Brazil) – Brazilian longboard master and 2007 World Champion.
Commenting on the final line-up and the competitive buzz surrounding the competition, Event Coordinator Mark Winson of Tropicsurf, the luxury surf pioneers behind the event, said, “It’s an amazing line-up, and despite the idyllic surrounds I’m sure that some old grudge matches will be rekindled come August. These world champions are competitors by nature and any of the six have what it takes to win the Trophy and USD 25,000.00. It’s going to be a very special few days.”
Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2012 sees six ex-world champions battle it out on single-fin, twin-fin and triple-fin boards in a USD 25,000.00 showdown for the ultimate crown.
Billed as “the world’s most luxurious surfing event,” the Surfing Champions Trophy is hosted aboard Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives ultimate surf vessel – with all competitors, judges and spectators taking up residence on the Resort’s paradisiacal private coral island for the duration of the event.
This year’s event will also feature the launch of the inauguralFour Seasons Maldives Domestic Champions Trophy 2012, a simultaneous contest between eight Maldivian surfers that is hotly anticipated to be the biggest ever showcase of Maldivian surfing.
Guests booking Kuda Huraa’s all-inclusive four or seven night Champions Trophy package – available from August 27 to September 2 only – can get right on top of the action with competition day passes aboard Four Seasons Explorer plus three half-day surfing passes with Tropicsurf. Back on land, they’ll also get to rub shoulders with their surfing heroes and experience a level of intimacy and camaraderie unique in competition surfing.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’
Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.
The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.
Featured
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.
With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).
“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”
As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.
By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.
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